Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1212: I'm not involved in my union other than paying my dues. Does this really matter?


You tell me. Unions have a lot to offer:
1. Contacts in other members
2. Free movies
3. Content on website
4. Networking/family events
5. Educational/Technical seminars and materials
6. Discount tickets for movies, family trips, rental cars, etc.
7. Credit Lines

And much more... see if your union has an orientation that addresses all of the benefits of being a union member

There are also political decisions being made on your behalf. Wouldn't you like to know and even be a part in decisions affecting your income, benefits, safety, etc?

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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1211: Is it appropriate to talk business at a 4th of July party?

It's not inappropriate, but I'd encourage you to build relationships on a personal level and if the person with whom you're speaking brings up business, then you can respond.

There are ways to share stories to let people know what you do and what you're looking for as far as work, without coming straight out and talking business.

Remember, if you build a strong relationship on a personal level at a party, it will open up the opportunity for a second conversation and then a third and so on. Eventually work will come up. As opposed to going straight for the "I am looking for work" conversation which tends to bring up peoples' walls.

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Monday, July 2, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1210: How do I generate work behind the lens?

This question was asked by an actress who lives in Ohio and is focusing on generating work. This question is extremely broad. In order for me to best answer, I'd have to know what skills/talents she has other than acting. If she doesn't have any skills in the departments; camera, production design, costume, make up, etc, then my advice would be to go after PA (production assistant) positions.

In order to get a PA job, go back to Saturday's blog where I advise you to create relationships in your city's Film Commission. You have to know what's coming to your city and who's coming with production to know who to approach for PA jobs.




For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit
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Sunday, July 1, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1209: How do I generate work as an actress out of Ohio?

Living in Ohio and wanting to travel for work elsewhere, can take some time. Why? Because you have to create relationships with the people who can hire you in those production cities. One way to do this is to get business mentors who can advise you on the politics and nature of their city.

Speaking of politics, you have to be very aware of union residency rules when it comes to working in other states. So before you target a city where you would like to work, be sure you're allowed to work there.



For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit
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Saturday, June 30, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1208: How do I branch out into the bigger things like major feature films, commercials?

Here's how the entire question read: I am an actress here in Akron/Cleveland OH and there are some really good projects going on independently that I am working to become apart of, but how do I branch out into the bigger things like major feature films, commercials and things?


I wrote back and asked: Are you referring to major projects that come to OH or major projects outside of your area that you would be willing to travel for?


To which she replied: I was referring to both, I'm just looking for genuine opportunities, whether it is in front or behind the lens.


There are actually multiple questions in here:


1. How do I transition from independent work to major projects, as an actress in Ohio?
2. How do I generate work as an actress out of Ohio?
3. How do I generate work behind the lens?


I will answer #1 today and #s 2 & 3 tomorrow and Monday.


To transition from independent work to major projects as an actress in a smaller production city, there are some actions you must take:


1. Get to know EVERY casting director in your area. If there are bigger cities in your state where casting directors work, make the trip and get to know them. There are many ways to do this. For example, many casting directors or their associates teach workshops. 


2. Go (in person) to your city's Film Commission, and get to know the people who work there. Film Commissions know when big projects are coming to town. When you have relationships with people who work there, they can keep you in the know about the who, what, and when of major projects. 


www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com 



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Friday, June 29, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1207:After I read your blogs and your book I realized I did so many things wrong. Did I burn bridges?


It's REALLY hard to burn a bridge in our business. The key is NOT to remind people of the mistakes you made in the past. Don't even say, "hey remember when I visited you on set and I embarrassed you in front of your crew. I really learned from that and would never do that again."

Most people who ask this question, are concerned that they didn't follow up. It's never too late to get back in touch.

If you screwed up at your job, there are other fish in the sea. If you had a problem with drugs and alcohol that is now under control, make amends. If you stole somebody's guy/gal, move on-- and don't do that again.

But as far as the business tools I blog about, you tend to make a bigger deal over something than the person, who may or may not have noticed.

If you have a specific situation, put it in the comment section and I'll address it.

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Thursday, June 28, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1206: Can I be a screenwriter if I don't live in Los Angeles?

I just had this conversation with a screenwriter who doesn't live in LA tonight. Must be in the air...


In my opinion, it's probably the easiest classification to be, if you don't live in Los Angeles. Why? Because you can master your craft and build your script collection while living in a cheaper city/town, not get beaten down by the rejection that so many experience, be close to family & friends, and even have a fulfilling job as you write. You can also build mentor relationships from afar via email, phone, and/or social media.

Once you have a number of great quality scripts, and relationships that you've been nurturing, then you can plan a business trip to LA to take meetings.

The key is to never stop writing, because you always want to be current and you always want to be growing as a writer.

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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1205: What is the difference between networking and schmoozing?

Technically, the difference is the meaning you choose to put on the words. But because I'm a coach who loves doing seminars on successful networking, my two cents are:

While reality TV and scripted TV are both types of television, they are completely different genres.

Similarly, schmoozing and networking are both ways to meet people, they are simply two different "attitudes". Networking is a professional attitude whereas schmoozing can be interpreted as either playful or sleazy depending on the person doing the schmoozing and his or her intention.

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Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1280: I grew up in India and as a result English is my second language (cont'd)

"I grew up in India and as a result English is my second language. I  am looking to improve my comprehension when I read my text book...